8 Kimono Jackets To Keep Your Summer Look Easy, Breezy And Chic
You may associate kimonos with traditional Japanese weddings and tea ceremonies, or with porcelain-complexioned geishas and kabuki performers. You may have even come to think of them as boudoir-worthy robes to wear atop negligés and silky chemises. But, increasingly, modernized open-front versions of the kimono are popping up as the ultimate summertime cover-ups. These kimono jackets range from waist-length to floor-length and are usually crafted using lightweight, airy, semi-sheer fabrics in dreamy floral prints or with Bohemian embellishments ranging from fringed hemlines to crocheted and embroidered details.
This season, you’ll be spotting kimonos everywhere since, in addition to channeling a free-spirited vibe, they are surprisingly versatile. When worn over a black cocktail dress, the right kimono can add a bit of mystery and a sophistication and worldliness to an evening ensemble. When paired with denim shorts and a tank top (and maybe even a floppy hat), it will channel a Boho babe energy. And, when worn over a swimsuit at the pool or the beach, it will bring to mind lavish 1970s pool parties and the caftans and cover-ups sported at these bashes.
So forget the sarongs this summer and follow the lead of style icons like Nicole Richie, Jessica Alba, and Kourtney Kardashian by investing in an airy kimono jacket. Check out some gorgeous options below:
Athena Procopiou Sunset in Na Pali Kimono, $738. Available at ShopLesNouvelles.com
Made of 100% silk, this Athena Procopiou kimono features a custom ombré floral print in sunset-worthy shades of pink, orange, and purple, making the garment epitomize the concept of wearable art. White fringe flanks the hemline and the cuffs of the 3/4-length sleeves, adding a ’70s feel to the design.
River Island Grey Feather Print Fringed Kimono, $80. Available at US.RiverIsland.com
Feathers play an unequivocally important role in Bohemian-themed fashions, so it’s no surprise that a feather print, like the one on this River Island kimono, adds a gypsy-esque, Janis Joplin-worthy vibe to the piece — particularly given the black trim and fringe, which adds a rocker feel and a hint of edge.
Topshop Iris Longline Kimono, $76. Available at US.Topshop.com
If fringe isn’t your thing, then try a tassel-free kimono like this one from Topshop. The kimono is meant to graze the ankles, while its billowing sleeves hit right below the elbow. Made of 100& polyester, this sheer piece features white and pink iris blossoms atop a black backdrop.
Savanna Stroll Kimono Jacket in Blue Bouquet, $44.99. Available at ModCloth.comTK
Whether worn with blue jeans and a white tank top or layered over a flirty sundress, this festival-ready kimono will bring a joyful energy to your outfit thanks to the lush blue and green blossoms printed on the white polyester fabric, along with the knotted black threads and fringe trimming the hemline.
H&M Embroidered Kimono, $79.95. Available at H&M stores and HM.com
How ubiquitous are kimonos this season? Well, let’s put it this way: H&M has an entire section devoted to kimonos online! We’re loving this long black chiffon number, featuring three gold horizontal stripes along the hips and four more horizontal stripes a few inches below, along with a gold embroidered pattern adorning the panel in between these striped sections. A wide satin belt, a fringed hemline, and fringed 3/4-length sleeves complete the Stevie Nicks-worthy piece.
Romeo & Juliet Couture Floral Fringe-Trimmed Open Kimono, $35.40. Available at LastCall.com
Love the bright colors of summer? Then check out this floral print number from Romeo & Juliet couture, which features a shawl collar and a high-low hemline adorned with long strands to create the desired fringe trimming.
Talitha Myra Embroidered Fringe-Trim Kimono, $948. Available at MatchesFashion.com
With a wrap-front construction, this luxurious Talitha kimono features a self-fastening tie so that you can wear it open or close depending on the occasion and destination. Made of sheer black silk, the hemline and sleeve cuffs feature an embroidered, chevron-inspired pattern made with carnation pink, deep burgundy, and sage green threads. Long fringe adorns the hemline and sleeves for added drama and movement.
Anna Sui Printed Silk-Blend Chiffon Kimono Jacket, $267. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Anna Sui knows a thing or two about upscale Bohemian fashion, so it’s only fitting that she’d create a kimono jacket that feels feminine, coquettish, romantic,and elegant — but still retains its free-spirited DNA. The silk-blend chiffon kimono jacket features wide, ribbon-like bands with a diamond pattern trimming the hemline, the collar, the front panel edges, and the extra wide, slanted sleeves. The light pink fabric features a sweet print depicting songbirds and sparrows flying through the sky or perched atop branches.The fringe dangling from the hemline, meanwhile, features matching navy-, lavender-, and wine-colored threads.
